Anchorage, Alaska – Community members raised more than $80,000 to purchase a RT600 Functional Electrical Stimulation Stepper, a treadmill device used to treat patients with severe motor nerve injuries, for use by patients at Providence Rehabilitation Services.

Purchase of the equipment was made possible by community fundraising efforts, especially within the local hockey community, as well as a matching donation from the Rasmuson Foundation.

After Alaskan and recreational hockey player Sig Jokiel was injured in a skiing accident, local hockey players began raising money to purchase the stepper so Sig and those with similar injuries could receive treatment here. Previously, patients requiring treatment with this technology had to travel out of state for care.

The RT600 FES allows patients with severe motor nerve injury or dysfunction to exercise. The device provides electrical stimulation of muscles and may assist with relaxation of muscle spasm, preventing atrophy, increase local blood circulation and increase range of motion. The stepper is particularly helpful in the treatment of people with paraplegic and quadriplegic conditions, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

The RT600 FES is in use and already benefiting patients at Providence Rehabilitation Services. In addition to Sig, the clinic anticipates treating approximately 150 patients during the first year of use.

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About Providence Rehabilitation Services

Providence Rehabilitation Services provides outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to patients with temporary and permanent disabilities. We utilize a sports medicine approach in the treatment of orthopedic injuries, which returns our patients back to play/work more quickly than traditional types of therapy. For more information about Providence Rehabilitation Services, visit:
alaska.providence.org/locations/pamc/services/rehabilitation

About Providence Alaska Foundation

Providence Alaska Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting the Mission of Providence Health & Services Alaska. In partnership with the community, the Providence Alaska Foundation provides compassionate care for patients and their loved ones when they are at their most vulnerable. For more information about Providence Alaska Foundation, visit:
http://alaska.providence.org/giving